Destiny or Accident?

Episode: 6 || Modern Mayhem

"You can be mad at someone 
and still miss them"

Advika had just finished her re-interview at Rudd and Paramount an hour ago. She had applied for a market researcher role in the film industry, a significant shift from her previous government job. Despite her low hopes, she walked into the interview with a sliver of optimism. The interview went reasonably well, and she was told the results would be communicated via text message. Unlike her last interview, where her CV led to immediate rejection due to her background, this time there was a glimmer of hope.

Her phone vibrated to see a message from Chandu, informing her that he was arriving in 10 minutes. Yesterday, Advika had asked Chandu to bring some men's clothes and essentials.

Chandu had arrived with a mix of curiosity and amusement. When Advika handed Karn the clothes, his reaction was a blend of surprise and confusion. After taking the clothes, he was instructed to change into them. Advika then proceeded to introduce-

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing. It was Sarla aunty, her neighbor from the 6th floor. She answered, but was immediately cut off.

"Advika, what is happening in your house? It sounds like a party or something. The guard is banging on your door, and there's even a little smoke coming from your balcony. Are you conducting some kind of chemical experiment?" Sarla aunty asked, worry evident in her tone.

"Oh no! I'm on my way. I'll be there in five minutes. No one should be home right now. Just... just hold on." Advika replied, panic clear in her voice. She hurriedly sped up to her house, her mind racing with concern. She feared that Karna, who wasn't accustomed to modern ways, might have accidentally caused a disaster.

Arriving at her floor, she saw a few neighbors and the security guard knocking loudly on her door. Ignoring their questions, she quickly unlocked her apartment and stepped inside.

"What... what happened here?!" she exclaimed, wide-eyed at the sight before her. The apartment was in utter chaos.

The TV was blaring a soap opera, loud and dramatic. The microwave was still smoking. A broken vase lay on the floor, water spilled everywhere, and there was a mashed banana mess in the sink. Karna stood amidst the disaster, soaked and bewildered, clutching a dishtowel like a warrior's shield.

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Advika stands at the door, adjusting her bag over her shoulder as she gets ready to leave for her interview. Karna, standing by the sofa, nods seriously, trying to absorb her rapid-fire instructions.

"Okay, so the food's in the fridge-don't touch anything else but what's on the top shelf. I left you some rice and curry. If you're thirsty, there's water in the bottles. And please, whatever you do, don't touch the microwave or the gas stove. You remember how to use the remote, right? Just press this button to turn on the TV, and this one to change channels. Got it?" Advika said

Karna nods confidently, though his eyes betray a mixture of determination and mild panic. He glances at the TV remote like it's an ancient artifact with an undeciphered inscription.

"And don't open the balcony doors! It's not portals to another realm again, alright?" She added. She chuckles and gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading out. Karna watches her leave, nodding solemnly as if he's about to undertake a great battle. he goes to his room and after an hour comes out feeling like doing something or doing lunch.